If you’re looking for a balanced, wholesome, and flavorful meal, a Chicken Quinoa Bowl is your perfect solution.
Packed with protein, fresh veggies, herbs, and healthy grains, this dish is not just nourishing—it’s vibrant and satisfying.
In today’s post, we’re going to take a closer look at a Lebanese Chicken Quinoa Bowl with spiced chicken, cucumber-tomato salad, and toasted pine nuts.
You’ll discover the secret ingredient—Lebanese 7 spice, learn how to build the ideal bowl, and some tips on how to get it superb.
Ingredients for Lebanese Chicken and Quinoa Bowls
The recipe combines classic Mediterranean ingredients with a dash of Lebanese flavor:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tsp Lebanese 7 spice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
To make the Quinoa:
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- Pinch of salt
For Cucumber-Tomato Salad:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- Hummus or garlic sauce
- Pickled turnips
- Tahini drizzle
What is Lebanese 7 Spice?
Lebanese 7 spice (also known as Baharat) is a warm, spicy Middle Eastern spice mixture. It can include:
- Black pepper
- Allspice
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
- Coriander
- Cardamom
It’s this spice blend that lends the chicken that warm, rich flavor. You can purchase it pre-mixed or make it easily yourself.
How to Prepare Quinoa Bowls
Preparing a Chicken Quinoa Bowl is really all about mixing different textures and flavors. This is how you prepare it step by step.
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
- Wash the quinoa in cold water to remove bitterness.
- In a saucepan, place 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups water or broth.
- Add salt, bring to boiling.
- Cover, turn heat to low, and simmer 15 minutes or until puffy.
- Turn off heat and stand 5 minutes. Fluff with fork.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Marinate chicken in a bowl with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, 7 spice, salt, and pepper.
- Rest for 20 minutes (or overnight for best taste).
- Heat skillet at medium, add olive oil.
- Pan-fry chicken 5–7 minutes each side or until cooked and golden.
- Cut or shred before adding to bowl.
Step 3: Cook Any Side Vegetables (Optional)
You may sauté or roast vegetables such as:
- Zucchini
- Bell peppers
- Eggplant
- Mushrooms
Season with pepper, plain salt, and olive oil dash.
Step-by-Step Instruction
- Prepare all ingredients and ready.
- Prepare quinoa and slightly cool down.
- Marinate and cook chicken.
- Dry roast pine nuts over medium heat in a dry pan until golden brown.
- Toss cucumber-tomato salad with lemon juice, oil, salt, and herbs.
- Layer the bowl sequentially with quinoa, salad, chicken, pine nuts, and desired toppings.
How to Prepare the Quinoa Bowl
- Prepare the quinoa in broth instead of water for added flavor.
- Marinate chicken in advance for added flavor.
- Cut veggies small and uniform for optimal texture incorporation.
- Prep ahead: Cook a big batch and keep ingredients separate.
- Don’t omit the toasted pine nuts—they give incredible crunch and nut flavor.
What to Serve with Chicken Quinoa Bowls
- Garlic sauce
- Hummus or baba ghanoush
- Warm pita bread or pita chips
- Side of pickled turnips or olives
- Drizzle of tahini yogurt sauce
These sides give additional layers of flavor and authenticity to the dish.
Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Skillet or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breasts/thighs
- 2 tsp Lebanese 7 spices
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 pcs cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
Quinoa:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or broth
- salt
Salad:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 pcs large cucumber
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 2 tbsp parsley
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Toppings:
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- Hummus, tahini, garlic sauce (optional)
Instructions
Get Ready
- Wash quinoa, chop vegetables, and marinate chicken.
Prep the Cucumber-Tomato Salad
- Mix tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat the oil in the frying pan. Sear chicken 5–7 minutes per side until done. Slice or shred.
Prepare the Quinoa
- Boil salt, quinoa, and 2 cups water in the saucepan. Simmer 15 minutes. Let rest and fluff.
Toast Pine Nuts
- Pan toast dry until browned (3–5 minutes).
Finish the Salad
- Let salad marinate for a few minutes to reach full flavor.
Build the Bowl
- Begin with quinoa base, salad, chicken, pine nuts, and select toppings.
Notes
- Refrigerate leftovers in separate quantities to maintain freshness of ingredients.
- Smoke chicken to add barbecue flavor.
- Substitute pine nuts with almonds or pumpkin seeds if necessary.
- Include feta or olives for Greek flavor.
A Mediterranean Experience in Each Bite!
Chicken Quinoa Bowl is a satisfying meal packed with Lebanese flavor, texture, and nutrition. It’s perfect for healthy lunches, family dinners, and meal prep.
With a topping of spiced chicken, creamy quinoa, refreshing cucumber-tomato salad, and crunchy pine nuts, it’s a satisfying meal. So the next time you feel like having something fresh, full, and flavorful, make Lebanese Chicken Quinoa Bowl. It’s not a meal—it’s a Mediterranean experience in each bite.
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